Suspect with weapon reported in Stayton store, nearby residents told to shelter in place

STAYTON, Ore. – Police asked some Stayton residents to shelter in place Sunday afternoon while they responded to reports of an armed suspect inside the Wilco store.

Marion County emergency dispatchers sent out the shelter in place warning just after 4 p.m. for people living near the intersection of N 1st Avenue and W Washington Street. They asked people to “lock doors and windows and report any suspicious activity.”

Initial reports state that a man who has stolen from the store in the past was inside with a "large hunting knife."

Out of an abundance of caution, police issued the shelter in place.

Police searched the area, but the man got away, officials said.

The warning has since been lifted.